The Guest Reader Program invites adults from the community (often parents or adults with a link to the school community) to make a one-time commitment to read aloud with primary school children and to discuss with the children why they found a particular book interesting.
Guest Readers share information about their education and career.
The Guest Readers have valuable advice to offer on a variety of subjects, from finding the money to go to university to pursuing career dreams and making them a reality. Tips for our Guest Readers for Primary Classrooms
Choose a story that can be completed in one sitting. Be sure to read the book in advance to develop a feel for the books language and pace.
Set the stage by asking a question that will engage children in the story they are about to hear. It can be a question based on the title of the book, the book cover, or some hint about what may happen in the story that will help younger children anticipate what is about to come.
Kids who have grown up on TV can be a little hard to reach. Dont be afraid to use showmanship to get the story across. Modulate your voice as you move from character to character or perform a series of pantomimes to convey the story.
Most readings are timed for 15-20 minutes (10 minutes for preschoolers). Anything longer and the children could get restless.
Do not rush through the story, but stop now and then to ask questions, to explain the meaning of an event, or to let children look at the pictures.
Use props, costumes, or music to make the story come alive. Some volunteers wear crazy hats or dress up as storybook characters. At one RIF project, a father came as a mystery reader, wearing a cape and mask, and read from a childrens mystery book. At another, a school principal came in the garb of Long John Silver and read excerpts from Treasure Island.
Make your reading interactive by holding up a picture book and asking children to explain what is happening or predict what is going to happen. To get children really involved, choose a story in which they can echo a phrase or chime in on a refrain, for example Esphyr Slobodkins' Caps for Sale.
Kids need a sense of closure, so be sure to leave plenty of time to finish the story.
Invitation to Guest Reader:
Who: Parents, Family members, Relatives, Friends, Community members
What: Volunteer approximately 15-20 min. reading time to a
Primary School/Prep/Preprep/Kindy class. A book can be provided beforehand to
examine or your own book or a library book may be brought along.
When: Readers may set up a time with TEACHER to read just once or come in on a monthly basis as it suits them
Where: SCHOOL NAME - TEACHER AND CLASS
Why: Guest readers can take this opportunity to build a relationship with our school and become involved in promoting the
importance of reading.
How: Complete and have any student return the bottom portion of this sheet to TEACHER at SCHOOL . You will then be contacted to
schedule a time. You may email me at TEACHER EMAIL or leave a message with the school at SCHOOL TELEPHONE and I will contact
you.
---------------------------------- Detach and Return ------------------------------
Guest Reader Response
Name:
Best times to call: _
Daytime Phone Number (if available): _
Evening Phone Number: _
I am interested in gathering more information before I decide.
Please call me.
I am interested in reading: probably just once on a monthly basis occasionally as it suits __ undecided how often
Guest Readers share information about their education and career.
The Guest Readers have valuable advice to offer on a variety of subjects, from finding the money to go to university to pursuing career dreams and making them a reality.
Tips for our Guest Readers for Primary Classrooms
Invitation to Guest Reader:
Who: Parents, Family members, Relatives, Friends, Community members
What: Volunteer approximately 15-20 min. reading time to a
Primary School/Prep/Preprep/Kindy class. A book can be provided beforehand to
examine or your own book or a library book may be brought along.
When: Readers may set up a time with TEACHER to read just once or come in on a monthly basis as it suits them
Where: SCHOOL NAME - TEACHER AND CLASS
Why: Guest readers can take this opportunity to build a relationship with our school and become involved in promoting the
importance of reading.
How: Complete and have any student return the bottom portion of this sheet to TEACHER at SCHOOL . You will then be contacted to
schedule a time. You may email me at TEACHER EMAIL or leave a message with the school at SCHOOL TELEPHONE and I will contact
you.
---------------------------------- Detach and Return ------------------------------
Guest Reader Response
Name:
Best times to call: _
Daytime Phone Number (if available): _
Evening Phone Number: _
I am interested in gathering more information before I decide.
Please call me.
I am interested in reading:
probably just once on a monthly basis
occasionally as it suits __ undecided how often